renown

1 of 2

noun

re·​nown ri-ˈnau̇n 

1

: a state of being widely acclaimed and highly honored : fame

2

obsolete : report, rumor

renown

2 of 2

verb

renowned; renowning; renowns

transitive verb

: to give renown to

Synonyms of renown

Noun

• fame
• notoriety
• celebrity
• repute
• reputation

Examples of renown in a Sentence

Noun

He achieved great renown for his discoveries.

Her photographs have earned her international renown.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The first Raffles opened in Singapore in 1887, and the chain has gained worldwide renown for luxurious service with locations around the world. —Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2026

Fosdick had acquired renown as the author of a series of devotional books on prayer, faith, and service. —Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026

This partnership between Prada and Axiom Space shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to its industry peers, Lorenzo Bertelli said, given the brand’s renown for the unconventional. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Gorkhali Kitchen has enjoyed greater renown since making the Florida Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand roster in 2023, a distinction that highlights restaurants serving high-quality food at great value. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English renoun, from Anglo-French renum, renoun, from renomer to report, speak of, from re- + nomer to name, from Latin nominare, from nomin-, nomen name — more at name

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renown

• of renown

Rhymes for renown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

renown

noun

re·​nown

ri-ˈnau̇n

: a state of being widely known and highly honored : fame